Trapped cavers freed in NSW

Three cavers spent a night on a small rock ledge, taking turns to nap and measure rising water, after they became trapped underground in the Bungonia National Park for almost 24 hours.

Maureen Bedford said her son David, 21, and two caving friends, aged 47 and 52, entered the complex cave system in Bungonia Gorge about 1pm on Sunday, just before a storm warning was issued.

The experienced cavers were unaware of the risk of flash flooding until water suddenly gushed into the Hogan's Extension cave from both sides, leaving them trapped between two flooded areas.

Thumbs up: a caver thanks his rescuer. Photo: Nick Moir

Daniel's sister, who was waiting for them above the surface, called police at 10pm when they did not return.

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"When she rang and said they found their backpacks and there has been local flooding, that's when I really started thinking the worst," Maureen Bedford said.

The trio waited for the water to go down and tried to make their way out but another flash flood came through, forcing them to make their way to higher ground and spend a long, tense night measuring the water level every hour and napping until rescue crews arrived in the morning.

A brother of a rescued caver hugs his mother. Photo: Nick Moir

"They just sat and waited, they knew someone would come," Ms Bedford said.

Goulburn police commander Superintendent Zoran Dzevlan said conditions deteriorated in the time the cavers were below ground.

"They eventually became trapped by rising water," he said.

Safe and sound: a caver thanks his rescuer. Photo: Nick Moir

David's sister was able to direct NSW Ambulance Special Operations Team and NSW Cave Rescue members to their exact location and they entered the cave via a blocked-off back entrance.

Inspector John Sheehan said rescuers dug their way through mud and slush to reach the trio.